Originally constructed in 1982 by the Lyeth family, the winery we’re visiting in this movie was most recently owned and operated by Silver Oak Cellars, who are now moving to their new Alexander Valley production facility which will open up in early 2018. We were lucky enough to be some of the last guests to visit this beautiful vineyard and tasting room before it changes hands.
Silver Oak Cellars is family-owned and dedicated to producing only Cabernet Sauvignon. Silver Oak was first established in 1972 by Ray Duncan and Justin Meyer. It is currently operated by Ray’s sons David Duncan and his brother, Tim Duncan. Silver Oak has two wineries; one in the Napa Valley and one in the Alexander Valley. The Duncan Family also established Twomey Cellars in 1999, named after Ray Duncan’s mother, where they produce Pinot noir, Merlot and Sauvignon blanc. Until the new tasting room in the Alexander Valley opens up, they are pouring Silver Oak wines at the Twomey tasting room in Healdsburg.
Having reached cult status for its Cabernet Sauvignon, it occupies an important niche in California’s wine industry. Silver Oak was the vision of Justin Meyer and entrepreneur and oil tycoon. Ray Duncan had purchased Franciscan Vineyards and approached Justin Meyer, whom he’d met through mutual friends, and asked him to plant and manage his vineyards and winery.
Justin agreed, and they started Silver Oak. Named after its location between Oakville and the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley, Justin and Ray’s vision for Silver Oak was to devote all their resources to producing a single wine. Justin’s vision was to perfect and make a wine that was 100% Cabernet, no blending.
In 2012, when a beautiful and historic property in the heart of the Alexander Valley became available, David and Tim knew they had to act quick. With breathtaking views and excellent soil profiles for growing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, they knew it would be easy make this place their new home.
For more than one-hundred years this new vineyard has been known as one of the finest in Sonoma County. After careful study of the property, they planted more than 70-acres of Cabernet Sauvignon in its outstanding volcanic soil. The winemaking team did extensive research to design the winery, all in pursuit of exceptional cabernet.
The design theme for the new winery is “Framing the Vineyard.” Featuring breathtaking views of the 113-acre estate, the new tasting room will sit on a knoll overlooking the vineyards and winery. From the tasting room, you will have the opportunity to be escorted through the vineyard to the winemaking facility for a unique birds-eye perspective on their winemaking process.
Applying the concept of “reduce, reuse, recycle” to this winery, they are reducing water usage by utilizing a membrane bioreactor to recycle water used during production. The siding on the buildings will be recycled from old growth redwood fermentation tanks. They are also using natural light to minimize electricity use, and solar panels on site will provide the winery with power.
We think its great that they are still making some of our Dads favorite wine, but are now using ecologically friendly techniques to save money and our planet. This is going to be one of our first stops on next years visit to Sonoma’s Wine country and we look forward to seeing you here too!
Enjoy your adventures and we’ll see you soon!
Love, Bella & Lola
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Bella’s Big Adventure is the story of two Little Golden Retrievers whose travels take them all over the country. They visit places they’ve has always wanted to see and make friends along the way.
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